One year ago, I heard about the Rock N Roll race series coming to Savannah. One year ago, I was pregnant, uncomfortable, and not feeling very much like myself. One year ago, I craved a challenge. I let the idea of signing up for this race roll around in my mind, although I seriously doubted it would happen. I wasn’t a runner and didn’t think I could take on such a goal.

Nine months ago I started the Couch to 5K program. Nine months ago, I fell in love with running. Nine months ago, I felt the allure and couldn’t get the thought of this race off my mind. Nine months ago, I determined I would race this race.

Two days ago, I ran my first half marathon. Two days ago, I witnessed my body do something a year ago I thought impossible. Two days ago, I shocked myself.

It all started bright and early with a 4 am wake-up call. I fixed myself up a cup of coffee in the hotel and got dressed before heading to the mall shuttles to take us over to the race course. Our bus got lost for a bit, but I didn’t mind the extra long drive. In my mind, it kept me out of the cold and allowed me to leisurely eat my pre-race meal.

Once we finally arrived (after quite a few detours and  confusion), Peter and I walked around to kill some time before the race and attempt to stay warm. The couple of hours we had passed relatively quickly and before I knew it, I needed to head over to my corral for the start.

Despite the large crowds, the race itself didn’t feel too packed and the wave starts made everything a lot less hectic than I anticipated. About 10 minutes after the official start, I made my way up with my corral to take on my first half. And I was off!

I instantly felt fantastic. It didn’t take the typical mile or two to feel warmed up. I settled into a groove and when I saw my pace felt very comfortable at 8:40 minute miles I kind of got nervous. I didn’t want to go out too fast! But I couldn’t slow down. And I didn’t slow down. In fact, my pace kept picking up.

• Mile 1 = 8:41
• Mile 2 = 8:37

The race atmosphere, bands playing, cheerleaders cheering, and locals coming out to give their support kept me going with a smile on my face. Miles 3 through 7 passed by in a blur as I just took in the entire experience.

• Mile 3 = 8:35
• Mile 4 = 8:36
• Mile 5 = 8:31
• Mile 6 = 8:22
• Mile 7 = 8:27

Then we hit miles 7 through 9. Almost that entire stretch was wall to wall people cheering as you ran past. Truly amazing!

I can’t even describe the surge of energy and drive I felt during that portion of the race. I wondered if I would hit a wall soon, but I kept on trucking.

• Mile 8 = 8:21
• Mile 9 = 8:16
• Mile 10 = 8:11

After the ten mile mark, I glanced at my Garmin. I knew I would hit my secret goal of under two hours, which comforted me because I thought there was no way I could keep the pace I had going. I had never run this fast for such a distance.

I ran mile 11 in 8:21 and noticed how good I felt. At that point, I decided to just give it my all. Things had gone well so far and I felt really good, so why not let my body achieve something unimaginable for me? I didn’t have much longer and told myself I could handle anything for just a couple more miles. I bolted.

• Mile 12 = 8:02
• Mile 13 = 7:49 (holy cow!!!)
• extra .2 on Garmin = 1:28 (7:07 min/mile pace)

I wanted to finish strong and finish strong I did. I crossed the finish line with tears in my eyes from the overwhelmed emotions and my arms held high.

With an official chip time at 1:50:08. 1:50:08!!!

I completed my first half marathon. And I can’t wait to do another…then another…then another. Who knows what is next? I just know I want to celebrate this sweet victory a little longer…

• What’s a goal you used to view as impossible, but have since accomplished or work towards now? Or what’s a goal you secretly want to accomplish?
• How was YOUR weekend?!

I ran a half marathon this morning!!!!

I know what you’re hoping. To see an update of how the race went. Too bad I have to recap all of yesterday’s fun first. I also wrote this post last night, so I don’t have all the details to give you just yet. Maybe if you’re nice and keep reading, I can sneak in a little hint on how it all went. I like to help like that. Regardless, a lot of great stuff happened yesterday, so let’s not waste any more time!

We got into Savannah around 11 am and headed directly to the convention center for the expo.

I picked up my bib number, then headed over to switch my corral. I made a very conservative finishing time estimate when signing up and felt the need to move to a corral more suited to my current pace.

After taking care of that business, Peter and I headed into the expo area for an hour of sampling fun and gathering up some race mementos.

The expos at larger races are pretty much a grab bag of numerous goodies. We got to try everything from protein samples…

…to beer! You won’t ever find me turning down a sample of beer.

I also scored big at the Larabar booth.

I mentioned my intense adoration of the bars and that I regularly use them before long runs, then suddenly found myself behind the counter “modeling” for them.

I had to sign a release and everything. So unofficial.

Once we finished at the expo, we made a trip on the ferry over to downtown Savannah for lunch.

We chose a little spot called B. Matthews that I found on Urban Spoon.

As soon as I saw the menu, I knew we picked the right spot. The restaurant served so many intriguing combinations and quite a few craft beers. I opted out of the beer, but into a sandwich combo made for me.

With a bacon and blue cheese pasta salad on the side.

It all tasted even better than it sounds.

Once we had full bellies, we went out to explore Savannah a bit. It’s one of my all time favorite cities! We walked around to different parks, down different streets, and chatted a few hours away.

We may have also made a pit stop at the renowned River Street Sweets.

Which means we definitely made a stop – for a hunk of PUMPKIN PIE fudge and a large chunk of pecan praline.

Did you hear that? Pumpkin pie fudge! aknvoadihfjadljdf <--- that’s me with no words to express how much I loved it

By this time, we were nearing 5 o’clock and had to make the decision on whether to hang around and eat dinner downtown or take the ferry back to our car. I knew I didn’t need to walk around for another hour or two, so we went to wait in line for the ferry. It was looooonnnngggg.

Luckily, the boat transportation control men helped find a remedy by opening up one of the huge river boats to shuttle people back over. What a nice surprise to get a free river boat ride!

Although not as nice as finally getting back to our car, then checking into our hotel room. By 7 pm I crawled into my pajamas, ready for a carbilicious dinner.

I didn’t know how well that decision would sit with my stomach. But it must have sat well. Let’s just say I ended up beating a secret little goal I had for myself. Hint hint hint. Any guesses?

I’ll let you know if you’re right come Monday morning. Have a great rest of the weekend, friends! Time for me to CELEBRATE!

• What are some of your favorite cities?
• Have you ever “modeled” for anything?